I've been growing out my beard and trying to establish a proper beard grooming routine. I've got the oil and balm, but I'm not sure if I'm actually brushing it correctly or if I'm supposed to be trimming it while it's growing. It just looks kind of wild and unkempt most days.
Beard grooming works best when you treat the brush like a tool to train the hairs. Use a boar bristle brush and brush from the skin outward then along the grain to catch knots. Apply a light balm for hold and tame. For growing out trim only the obvious strays first and shape with a guard two to three after you have a feel for your length. Dry trimming helps you see true length.
Wash a couple times a week and apply beard oil while the skin is still slightly damp, then brush. If it looks wild dont panic plan a 15 minute trim every couple weeks to correct shape.
Trimming while growing can be scary. Better to set a target shape for the cheeks and neck and stick to it. Start with a longer guard and take off small bits until it sits right.
Chasing a perfect line is easy to do, but until it fills in you will have uneven patches. Focus on trimming obvious long hairs then gradually sculpt over time.
Consider using a light hold product and a beard conditioner to reduce frizz.
If you want I can map a simple weekly maintenance plan you can try and tailor to your beard length and growth rate.